Telangana farmers protest grain procurement delays, seize weighing machines

Farmers in Karimnagar district of Telangana staged a protest at the DCMS paddy procurement centre in Chakalivanipalle village, seizing weighing machines and accusing officials of irregularities. They said paddy had remained unweighed for over a month, without serial numbers, and that unseasonal rains were damaging the stored grain. One farmer complained, “The paddy has been lying here for over a month. No serial numbers have been issued and the process is not being followed properly.”

In nearby Nirmal district, maize growers blocked the Nirmal‑Mancherial highway, demanding faster procurement and transport. Around 5,000 bags of grain were still awaiting transport and 7,000 bags yet to be weighed. During the protest a farmer, Akula Narsaiah, collapsed and was taken to hospital. Officials attributed the delays to a labour shortage and pledged to clear pending maize by May 31 and jowar in early June.